As mentioned previously, I’ve been working on a logo for my capoeira group – not the group as a whole, but for an event happening as part of our annual batizado, or belt ceremony.
This year the women are raising funds for a women-only capoeira event, which may involve a female capoeirista and/or a women’s roda. I helped refine and produce their concept for a logo that plays on our capoeira group’s name, Capoeira Malês.
Aside: The word malês, by the way, does not refer to the male sex. It’s derived from the Yoruba word “imale,” meaning Muslim. An 1835 slave revolt in the Brazilian city of Salvador gave the Malês their infamy (more here).
The original
The original came as a logotype set in Monotype Corsiva, with a sketch of a woman doing a handstand replacing the lowercase L.
I was asked to refine the sketch of the woman to give her a more evidently female figure, and was given the latitude to consider alternate type treatments.
First stab
The first thing I did was to try a few different typefaces and treatments. I also added the word capoeira above to help reinforce the connection with our group’s overall identity. I sent some samples to my fellow capoeiristas for review.
The illustration
While waiting for feedback, I spent some time tracing the sketch I received, then reworking it – adding some shape to her head, chest, legs, and feet, and adding another arm.
Happily, the feedback on the type treatments was unanimous, and we settled on Highlander. I had a feeling that the L replacement would not work as well with Highlander, so I also tried putting the type in an italic stance to to help her fit in a bit more. No dice, but I discovered that having her superior to the type – and leading the reader into the first line of type – made for a stronger solution in the end.
Final
Last step was adding colour: the standard Capoeira Malês blue, with a splash of green.
The first application – a set of t-shirts – is due to be printed next week. A sample has already been printed.
I’m grateful to have been entrusted with this job by a group of such skilled capoeiristas. Thanks to Amendoim, Garra, Alegria, and Canela for their confidence and feedback!
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